support on Bermuda's first Red Nose Day on November 30.

The Family Resource Network, in partnership with the Bank of N.T. Butterfield are hosting the major fund-raising event to benefit Bermuda's families.

The FRN is an "umbrella'' consisting of five charitable organisations including the Physical Abuse Centre, the Coalition for Protection of Children, the Institute for Child and Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. (Parent Awareness Resources for Education, Nurturing, and Training Skills) and the Fathers' Resource Centre.

"Red Nose day, which has been compared to the movie "Patch Adams'', has the same general theme,'' said Vicki Abraham, FRN development officer and co-chair of the fund raiser.

"The theme is to brighten up for one quick moment, to forget about the pain for just one moment,'' Ms Abraham said.

"Let me outline what Red Nose means to Bermuda. It means helping Bermuda's families.'' "Everything that is associated with this campaign has been paid for by the Bank of Butterfield, which means every single cent that's spent on a nose or any Red Nose product will go directly into the services of the Family Resource Network,'' she explained. "The money will therefore go to those who need it most.'' "The Family Resource Network touches everybody in Bermuda,'' she said.

People can help the organisation by buying a nose for themselves for $2. Other related products consist of a "nose pen'' for $5, a button badge for $3 and an $8 "nose'' for their car or bike.

"The noses can be worn or not, it's up to the person,'' Ms Abraham said.

"The point is to buy the noses to show your support for children's wellbeing.'' Businesses can contribute by buying noses for their employees and having them pay them back individually. Companies can encourage their employees to buy noses by matching the staff donation with a cash gift from the company.

"There will be a lot more exciting things happening on November 30 when we open it up to the public,'' said June Augustus, executive director of the Physical Abuse Centre and co-chair of the Red Nose Day.

"We all need each other,'' said Saadia Bean of the Institute For Child and Family Health. "We are to confirm our sponsorship and support of families through deeds and donations.'' Premier Jennifer Smith, who officially opened the campaign, said: "I think it is an excellent idea. I hope that all Bermudians will participate in and support this charitable organisation on November 30.'' Ms Abraham said: "The noses will be available at gas stations, supermarkets and pharmacies or through businesses. Companies can buy them for their staff or they can sell them to the public.''